Tested Tips for turners

Wrenches make quick, accurate calipers

Rather than constantly readjust my calipers when making small spindle turnings, I keep a set of open-ended wrenches at my lathe. The jaws of the wrenches fit into most spots and save me from resetting my calipers, particularly when I do repetitive spindle work.
--Martin Feldman, Amherst, N.Y.

I went a bit farther, having lots of extra wrenches. I grind top of wrench to sharp edge and use it to scrape the proper diameter. I don't use the modified wrench to turn entire tenon, just a grove to set diameter. Also I find that there is a slight variation in wrenches, by selecting other brands under / over sizes available.

Just wanted to say GREAT TIPS on turning, and liked all the earlier tips in previous issues. Have found lots of great projects through the years in WOOD also, Great mag. I build a lot of them and just give them out to friends. The fun is in the building and giving... Warenout

Goodidea, but take it one step further and grind one of the open ended jaws at a steep angle. To use this method, first turn the tenon to about 1/8" to 1/4" bigger than the size wanted. Then back the tool rest off a bit to provide clearance to the wrench head. Apply gentle downward pressure when doing the cut to prevent the tool from grabbing and making the tenon smaller than wanted. The ground portion of the wrench is presented to the wood in a top orientation.